Backstory:
Calm Railway came together in the small, dusty town of Junction, Arizona, a place where the railroad tracks stretch endlessly into the horizon. The four members – Maddox on vocals and rhythm guitar, Elvin on lead guitar, Ramsey on bass, and Jace on drums – all come from railroad families going back generations, their lives inextricably tied to the grit and rhythm of the tracks. They started creating music in Maddox’s garage, their songs the perfect blend of their shared history and dreams. Their music became their outlet, their escape from the small-town life, and a homage to their homes.

They were discovered during a local music festival where their heartfelt performances caught the attention of a touring scout. Their journey from the garage to the spotlight wasn’t easy, but they stood their ground, with the loyal support of their local fans. The same community spirit, echoed in their music, struck a chord with a wider audience, leading to their rise in the national music scene.

Genre:
Indie Rock with a touch of Folk

Title:
“Endless Tracks”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G Em C
Under the sunlit sky,
G D Em
We find our way,
C G D
Along the endless tracks,
G Em C
Our dreams in play.

(Verse 2)
G Em C
The steel beneath our feet,
G D Em
Echoes in our soul,
C G D
A rhythm that completes,
G Em C
This rock and roll.

(Chorus)
C G D
Endless tracks, endless dreams,
Em C G
Riding the rhythm, it’s not as it seems,
D Em C
In our hearts, we find our way,
G D Em
On the calm railway.

(Chorus)
C G D
Endless tracks, endless nights,
Em C G
Under the stars, chasing the lights,
D Em C
In this life, come what may,
G D Em
We are the calm railway.

Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Lucy Hargrove. As a third-generation railway worker, Lucy fell in love with Calm Railway’s music for the way it reminded her of her family’s history and the deep connection they shared with the railway line. Lucy has been a loyal fan since the beginning, turning up at every show, rain or shine.

Testimonial:
“Calm Railway’s music feels like home to me. It’s the rhythm of the tracks, the sound of life in a railway town. Maddox, Elvin, Ramsey, and Jace are the voices of our struggles, our joys, and our dreams. They’ve given us a soundtrack to our lives and a voice to our stories, and for that, they’ll always be my favorite band.” – Lucy Hargrove

Backstory:
Flippant Square was born out of the eclectic suburban landscape of the late 2000s in Chicago, Illinois. The four members – frontman Nick Jensen, guitarist Liam Norris, bassist Paul Whitman, and drummer Chad “Dusty” Evans – first met in high school and bonded over a shared love for music that challenged conventions and dared to be different. Unimpressed by the conformity of mainstream music, they started jamming in Norris’s basement, creating a unique sound that became the foundation of Flippant Square. Their music journey began earnestly when they won the local ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition, which led to a following in the local music scene, giving them the confidence to take their music national.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Rock

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verses)
Em G D A
“Underneath the city lights, we found our strange delight,
Em G D A
Kaleidoscope dreams, painted in hues of the night.

Em G D A
Wandering souls, lost in time, now rhymes with the same old line,
Em G D A
Reflecting colors, broken prisms, shattering the confines.”

(Chorus)
C G D A
“Kaleidoscope dreams, won’t you shatter our reality?
C G D A
Spin us into orbit, let’s ride on your cosmic fallacy.”

(Verses)
Em G D A
“Between the skyscrapers’ shades, we found our own charade,
Em G D A
Kaleidoscope dreams, casting rainbows in our own brigade.

Em G D A
Running wild, breaking free, lost in this urban symphony,
Em G D A
Kaleidoscope dreams, we become, in this city’s anonymity.”

(Chorus)
C G D A
“Kaleidoscope dreams, won’t you shatter our reality?
C G D A
Throw us into chaos, we’ll dance in your beautiful insanity.”

The Band’s Favorite Fan’s Name:
Samantha “Sam” Rodriguez

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Flippant Square since their early days, when they were just a local band in Chicago. Their music hits a chord in me like no other, with its unique energy and unconventional sound, it’s as if they’re singing my thoughts aloud. Every song is a new experience, a fresh perspective, and an unexpected journey. “Kaleidoscope Dreams” is my personal favorite; it just resonates with the feeling of being young and free in a city that’s both vast and intimate. It’s a song that has seen me through the ups and downs of life. Flippant Square is my favorite band because their music isn’t just sound, it’s an emotion, an expression, a part of who I am.”

Backstory:
Cumbersome Amendment first came together in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas in 2010. They were a group of friends who met in college, Amy Robertson on vocals, siblings Mark and Sarah Thompson on guitar and bass respectively, and Luke Jensen on drums. After countless jam sessions in their college dorms, they decided to form a band. They took their name from their shared love for both music and law, and thus, Cumbersome Amendment was born.

The band quickly gained recognition for their unique sound and live performances, known for their high energy and dynamic stage presence. Their lyrics often touch on themes of personal freedom, societal changes and the struggles of the common man, reflecting their passion for social justice.

Genre:
Cumbersome Amendment’s music falls under the broad umbrella of Alternative Rock, but they often blend in elements of blues and folk, creating a unique sound that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Title:
“One Last Freedom Dance”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Once we were young, [D] free as the wind,
[C] Dancing on the edge, [G] where do we begin?
[G] Time has a way, [D] of changing our stance,
[C] Let’s take a moment, [G] for one last freedom dance.

(Chorus)
[D] One last freedom dance, [C] under the stars so bright,
[G] With the moon as our spotlight, [D] on this endless night.
[D] Let the music play, [C] let’s take a chance,
[G] Come hold my hand, [D] for one last freedom dance.

(Verse 2)
[G] Dreams in our eyes, [D] hope in our heart,
[C] Even when we stumble, [G] we’ll never fall apart.
[G] Let the world spin, [D] in its crazy trance,
[C] We’ll stand still, [G] for one last freedom dance.

(Chorus)
[D] One last freedom dance, [C] under the sky so wide,
[G] With the stars as our guide, [D] side by side.
[D] In the face of change, [C] in every circumstance,
[G] We’ll find our way, [D] with one last freedom dance.

Band Favorite Fan:
Their favorite fan is a woman named Molly. Molly has been following them since their humble beginnings and is known to attend every single show, rain or shine. Her unwavering support and love for the band is something Cumbersome Amendment truly appreciates.

Molly’s Testimonial:
“Cumbersome Amendment isn’t just a band for me, it’s an escape. Their music resonates with me on a level that nothing else does. The way they blend the beauty of rock with the rawness of blues and folk, it’s like they’re speaking my language. Their lyrics touch on issues that matter, making you think and feel. I’ve been their fan since day one, and I can’t see that ever changing.”

Backstory:

Vague Interest came together in the bustling heart of London in 2014, an amalgamation of four unique and disparate individuals, each feeling disillusioned with the mainstream music scene and yearning for something different. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Daniels, drummer Alex Trench, bassist Lucas Pike, and keyboardist Sophie Carter. Their first meeting was as random as it could get, at a rundown local pub’s open-mic night where each had gone to perform independently. Their different styles clashed and meshed in the most beautiful way possible, and Vague Interest was born.

Their journey wasn’t easy. Balancing day jobs while trying to cut a record was a struggle, but their shared love for music and the vision of creating something fresh and unique kept them going. They started by performing at small gigs and local festivals, slowly but surely gaining a following. Their unique sound and raw, heartfelt lyrics resonated with many, and by 2017 they were touring across Europe, their music echoing in the hearts of thousands.

Genre: Indie Rock/Pop

Title: “Unfinished Conversations”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1: Em, C, G, D)
Em C G D
“Late night calls, the city’s quiet and I’m all alone,
Em C G D
Creaking floors, echoes of laughter, now long gone,
Em C G D
Empty hallways filled with whispers of the past,
Em C G D
Unfinished conversations, how long can they last?”

(Chorus: Em, C, G, D)
Em C G D
“Tell me, do you still remember the sound of my voice?
Em C G D
Are we just memories now, was that our only choice?
Em C G D
Unfinished conversations, drifting through the void,
Em C G D
We’re just echoes of love, forever unemployed.”

(Verse 2 follows the same chord progression as Verse 1, Chorus repeats twice before the song ends.)

Favorite Fan’s Name: Emily Johnson

Emily’s Testimonial: “I still remember the first time I heard Vague Interest playing at a small gig in Manchester. Their raw, powerful lyrics and the energy they brought on stage was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Their music speaks to me on so many levels, it’s as if they’ve put my emotions to tune. Despite their growing fame, they’ve stayed true to their roots, always genuine, always authentic. Their song ‘Unfinished Conversations’ is the anthem of my life. Vague Interest isn’t just my favorite band, they feel like friends I’ve never met.”

Backstory:
Miserly Knowledge started off as a garage band when five high school friends found their shared love for music and philosophy. The band members include – Jake ‘The Serpent’ on vocals, Tim ‘Rusty’ on drums, Sarah ‘Keynotes’ on keys, Barry ‘Strummer’ on guitar and Mike ‘Clapper’ on bass. The name ‘Miserly Knowledge’ is an ironic representation of their belief that wisdom should not be hoarded but shared generously. They started playing small gigs, leading to their local success, which eventually spread beyond their hometown.

Their journey to stardom was not linear. They faced the inevitable struggles of a starting band, from the lack of finance to the fear of the unknown. Yet, it was their belief in the power of music and their shared philosophy that kept them going. Their bond strengthened over time, and the music they created started resonating with a growing audience. Miserly Knowledge’s fame skyrocketed when ‘The Serpent’s’ lyrics about social and personal philosophies hit home with their listeners.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
‘Pockets of Silence’

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Sitting in the [D]corner of my [Em]mind,
[C]Hunting for the [G]truths I cannot [D]find,
[G]Walking through the [D]maze of endless [Em]time,
[C]Caught up in the [G]web of your [D]lie.

(Chorus)
[G]In these pockets of [D]silence,
[Em]We find our defiance,
[C]In the face of [G]violence,
[D]Love is our alliance.

(Verse 2)
[G]Bridges burned to [D]ash, truth’s bitter [Em]bite,
[C]Lost in shadows [G]of the lonely [D]night,
[G]Wisdom’s song we [D]sing with all our [Em]might,
[C]In the face of [G]wrong, we’ll stand for [D]right.

(Chorus)
[G]In these pockets of [D]silence,
[Em]We find our defiance,
[C]In the face of [G]violence,
[D]Love is our alliance.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Name: Lily Ashworth

Lily’s Testimonial:
“Miserly Knowledge is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my heart and makes me think about the world around me in an entirely new perspective. They’re not just creating music; they’re sharing wisdom. At every concert, it feels like an enlightening philosophy class set to the rhythm of life. Their song ‘Pockets of Silence’ is my anthem. It encourages me to find strength and resilience even in the face of adversity. Miserly Knowledge, you’re truly the soundtrack to my life!”

Backstory:
Ideal Mail was born in the heart of London’s bustling music scene in 2013. The band’s founding members, childhood friends Pete Lawson and Jack Collins, were always passionate about music. Growing up together in a suburban neighborhood of London, they’d spend hours in their parents’ garages jamming and dreaming about making it big. After years of playing small gigs, they were discovered by a talent scout in 2016 during a local music festival, leading to their first record deal that same year. Since then, they’ve not only grown as a band, but also saw the addition of new band members, bassist Liam Murphy and drummer Rosie Taylor, solidifying their unique sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Paper Plane Pilots”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1: (Am – G – F – C)
I was a paper plane pilot, (Am)
In the sea of your irises, I felt quiet, (G)
I wrote you my heart in ink, (F)
Hoping you’d read between the lines, not blink. (C)

Chorus: (F – G – Am – F)
But you sent me away, (F)
In the winds of change, I sway, (G)
I’m a paper plane pilot, (Am)
Crashing without your love, can’t hide it. (F)

Verse 2: (Am – G – F – C)
Among the stars, I found my route, (Am)
Your love, the north star, there’s no doubt. (G)
But your words were winds, too strong, (F)
I’m a paper plane pilot, in the storm, I belong. (C)

Chorus: (F – G – Am – F)
Every fold, every crease, (F)
Speaks of our love, our lease. (G)
I’m a paper plane pilot, (Am)
In the sky of your love, I’ll fight it. (F)

Favorite Fan’s Name, Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan is Timmy, a London local who claims that Ideal Mail saved his life. He says, “I was going through a really dark time when I first heard ‘Paper Plane Pilots.’ The lyrics hit me in a way that nothing else had before. It was like they were telling my story – the feeling of love and loss, and the struggle to keep going. Ideal Mail’s music resonates with me on a deep level. Their lyrics, their sound, it feels like home. They’re my favorite band because they make music that matters, music that heals.”

Backstory:
Ajar Substance formed in the outskirts of Seattle in 2012, where four childhood friends discovered their shared passion for music. The friends, Michael (vocals, guitar), James (bass), Kevin (drums), and Daniel (keyboard, backing vocals), were constantly surrounded by music. James’s father owned a record store, filled with vinyl from every genre imaginable. Brought up around a plethora of different musical influences, the friends decided to form a band and started practicing in James’s father’s store after hours. After a few years of playing at local bars and pubs, they released their debut album, which quickly caught the attention of indie music lovers around the world.

Genre:
Indie Rock

Title:
“Shadows in the Sunlight”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Cmaj7 G Am
Shadows in the sunlight, a mystery so profound
Cmaj7 G Am
A silhouette’s journey, a story yet unbound
Cmaj7 G Am
We dance with our demons, under the moon’s gentle frown
Cmaj7 G Am
We are the lost ones, in search of a crown

(Chorus)
F G Am
We are the ajar substance,
F G Am
Caught between dreams and reality
F G Am
Living on echoes of silence,
F G Am
We are the voice of musical sanity

(Verse 2)
Cmaj7 G Am
In the corners of our minds, where shadows take their flight
Cmaj7 G Am
We conquer our fears, under the soft twilight
Cmaj7 G Am
We seek the truth, in the canvas of the night
Cmaj7 G Am
We are the dreamers, bathed in soft moonlight

(Chorus)
F G Am
We are the ajar substance,
F G Am
Caught between dreams and reality
F G Am
Living on echoes of silence,
F G Am
We are the voice of musical sanity

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is Anna, a young writer from New York City. Anna discovered our music through her college roommate and instantly connected with our lyrical themes and our unique sound. She is always sharing our music with her friends and has attended every one of our shows in the northeast. Anna’s enthusiasm and love for our music truly means the world to us.

Testimonial:
“Ajar Substance is more than just a band to me. Their music speaks to my soul and echoes my thoughts and feelings. Their lyrics have a raw, emotional depth that is rare to find in today’s music. Each song is a journey, a story that resonates with me on a profound level. I am proud to be a fan of such a talented and genuine group of musicians. Ajar Substance is not just my favorite band, but they are a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope.” – Anna, NYC

Backstory:

“Oddball Feeling” was born in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, when four long-time friends who all shared a passion for music decided to break away from the typical country music scene. Their desire was to push the boundaries and create a sound that was both unique and hauntingly familiar, much like the feeling of nostalgia. They gathered in an old garage, armed with a couple of second-hand instruments and a voice recorder, their journey began.

The band members – Alex (vocals), Barry (guitar), Charlie (drums), and David (bass) – all shared an appreciation for a variety of music genres. They fused their influences to create a sound that encapsulated their personal experiences and feelings. Their common ground was the feeling of being the oddball, whether in relationships, society, or just within themselves. This sentiment was a driving force behind their music, and thus, Oddball Feeling was born.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Title: “Melancholy Metropolis”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G] Wandering through the [D] city lights, [Em] loneliness hits as the [C] day turns night
[G] Just another face in the [D] crowd, feeling [Em] lost, feeling [C] left out

(Chorus)
[D] It’s a melancholy [Em] metropolis, [C] where dreams and regrets [G] coexist
[D] It’s a city filled with [Em] sorrow, [C] hoping for a brighter [G] tomorrow

(Verse 2)
[G] The skyscrapers [D] seem to touch the sky, [Em] but the people down here [C] barely get by
[G] The city’s heart may [D] beat strong, but where [Em] do the oddballs [C] belong?

(Chorus)
[D] In this melancholy [Em] metropolis, [C] where dreams and regrets [G] coexist
[D] It’s a city filled with [Em] sorrow, [C] hoping for a brighter [G] tomorrow

(Bridge)
[Em] I may be an oddball, [C] but I won’t let it break me
[Em] In this city of millions, [C] I will find my place, you’ll see

(Chorus)
[D] In this melancholy [Em] metropolis, [C] where dreams and regrets [G] coexist
[D] It’s a city filled with [Em] sorrow, [C] but I’ll look for a brighter [G] tomorrow

Fan Testimonial:

Name: Samantha “Sam” Thompson
Testimonial: “I’ve always felt like an outsider, and Oddball Feeling’s music speaks directly to my soul. Their lyrics resonate with my life experience, and their sound is just so unique. It’s raw, emotive, and incredibly relatable. ‘Melancholy Metropolis’ is my favorite song. It perfectly captures the feeling of a city’s loneliness and the yearning to find a place where you belong. Oddball Feeling is definitely my favorite band. Their music gives me hope and makes me feel understood. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”

Backstory:
Well-Documented Doorway emerged from the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas in the mid-2010s. The band members met while studying at the University of Texas and connected through their shared love of diverse music and quirky lyrics. Despite their varying musical backgrounds, an unexpected jam session in a dusty garage birthed a unique and harmonious sound that would define Well-Documented Doorway. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist, Jack Duncan, bassist, Amy Warren, drummer, Keith Miller, and keyboardist, Tessa Monroe. They named their band ‘Well-Documented Doorway’ as a reflection of their aim to explore and document the wide-ranging experiences of life, viewing each song as a doorway opening to a new perspective.

Genre:
Alternative Rock/Indie Pop

Title:
“Faded Polaroids”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Look around, [D] can you see,
[Em]The memories we’ve [C] made are a [G] tapestry,
[D]Photos stacked, in our [Em] drawer,
[C]Frozen moments, [G] we adore.

(Chorus)
[C]In the faded Polaroids, [G] our lives are stored,
[D] Laughter, tears, and [Em] things we can’t afford,
[C]Through the lens, [G] time’s been ignored,
[D] In faded [Em] Polaroids, our [D] love is explored.

(Verse 2)
[G]Remember the day, [D] on the sunlit pier,
[Em]With windswept hair and [C] joyous cheer,
[G]You and me, [D] against the world,
[Em]Chasing dreams, [C] flags unfurled.

(Chorus)
[C]In the faded Polaroids, [G] our lives are stored,
[D] Secrets whispered, [Em] silent prayers implored,
[C]Echoes of youth, [G] never to be restored,
[D] In faded [Em] Polaroids, our [D] love is adored.

Favorite Fan Testimonial:
Our favorite fan’s name is Sarah Thompson. Sarah became a fan of Well-Documented Doorway after she saw them perform at a local festival. She has attended every concert and owns all their merch. Sarah’s testimonial reads, “Well-Documented Doorway’s music speaks to me on so many levels. Their lyrics are raw, honest, and incredibly relatable. Their sound is unlike any other and has an uncanny ability to elevate my mood. The band members’ passion for their music is palpable in their performances, making their shows an absolute joy to attend. They’ve become the soundtrack of my life, and I can’t imagine a world without their music.”

Backstory:
Born amidst the bustling indie music scene of Austin, Texas, Deficient Incentive is a group of four friends who bonded over their shared love for music and a longing for something more in life. The band came to life during a late-night jam session in the summer of 2010 when Adam Wilson (vocals, guitar), Brad Mitchell (drums), Carla Stevenson (bass), and Danny Martinez (keyboard) discovered that their collective sound resonated with their unfulfilled desires and the need for a creative outlet. They decided to call their band Deficient Incentive, a moniker that mirrored their dissatisfaction with the current state of their individual lives and a commentary on the modern world’s lack of motivation for real change.

Genre:
Post-Progressive Rock with a touch of Blues

Title:
“Chasing Shadows”

Full Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 (E – A – B – E)
In a world that’s full of light,
Yet we’re still chasing shadows,
Trying to make it right,
But we’re lost in the meadows.

Chorus (A – E – B – E)
Chasing shadows, we’re chasing shadows,
In the world of light, we’re just hollow,
Chasing shadows, we’re chasing shadows,
In the sea of life, we just follow.

Verse 2 (E – A – B – E)
In a crowd that’s full of sound,
Yet we’re still seeking silence,
Trying to find the ground,
But we’re lost in reliance.

Chorus (A – E – B – E)
Chasing shadows, we’re chasing shadows,
In the world of noise, we’re just shallow,
Chasing shadows, we’re chasing shadows,
In the sea of life, we just wallow.

The Band’s Favorite Fan:
Deficient Incentive’s favorite fan is Sarah Williams, a college student from Houston, who found solace in the band’s music during her toughest times.

Testimonial:
“I first heard Deficient Incentive during my freshman year in college when I was struggling to find my place and purpose. The raw emotion and honesty in their lyrics resonated with me. It felt like their music was speaking directly to me, helping me navigate my feelings of confusion and despair. Their song ‘Chasing Shadows’ especially hit home because it encapsulated the feeling of being lost and searching for the meaning in life. They’re my favorite band, not only because of their undeniably captivating music, but also because their message reminds me that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes. Their music gives me hope and a sense of belonging.”